Racecar driver’s death due to auto mechanical failure according to police

Upon further investigation by the New Jersey State Police regarding NASCAR race car driver Jason Leffler’s death June 12, which occurred when his 410 sprint car crashed at the Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey, it was found that the accident occurred due to a mechanical failure on the part of the vehicle. The accident reportedly occurred as a result of a failure of the front suspension.

According to Lieutenant Stephen Jones, Leffler’s steering locked, causing him to lose control of his car during the fifth lap of a race, in which he had been in second place.

Leffler died due to a blunt force injury to the neck—an injury which happens when an object forcibly comes into contact with the body, causing the tissue to compress—even though he was wearing the NASCAR-approved Simpson Hybrid head and neck restraint system.

Jones said drivers raced at speeds ranging from 135 to 150 miles per hour.